Ocean Optics Launches New LIBS Imaging Modules

LIBS System Add-on Modules Let Users Analyze Specific Sample Areas with Pinpoint Accuracy

Dunedin, Fla., July 2005 – Ocean Optics introduces two add-on imaging modules that directly attach to the company’s LIBS-SC Sample Chamber. The LIBS-IM and LIBS-IM-C Imaging Modules enable users to magnify a sample image and to establish precisely a laser ablation target on the sample. Both modules are well suited to a variety of application areas that include forensics, semiconductor analysis, botany, biomedical analysis, gemology and metallurgy.

The new imaging modules allow a user to see a magnified image of a sample via a CCD camera and PixeLINK, a Microsoft Windows-based image-capture software application. PixeLINK lets a user capture an image and archive it on the PC’s hard drive with detailed annotations. Captured images are useful for comparison analysis and application record keeping.

The CCD cameras used in the modules offer pixel resolution of 1280 x 1024. Each pixel is 6.0 µm x 6.0 µm square. The cameras provide frame rates of up to 12.7 frames-per-second at 1280 x 1024 resolution.

The LIBS-IM module produces black and white images with image resolution to 40 microns and is available for $7,500; the LIBS-IM-C provides color images at resolution to 60 microns and is available for $8,000. The modules connect to a PC via an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable and FireWire PCI or PCMCIA card that are available separately. When attached to a PC, both modules are powered by the PC and require no external power; an external power supply is required when using the modules with a notebook computer. A power cable is included in the purchase price of each module.

About the Ocean Optics LIBS2000+ Spectrometer System

The Ocean Optics LIBS2000+ Spectrometer System is a laser-induced breakdown spectrometer that permits real-time qualitative measurements of elements in solids, solutions and gases. The broadband, high-resolution system provides spectral analysis from 200-980 nm with resolution of 0.1 nm (FWHM) and sensitivity to parts-per billion and picogram levels.

The LIBS-SC Sample Chamber is a key component of the Ocean Optics LIBS system. The chamber is made of an eye-protective polymer that provides a clear view of a sample and reduces the system’s laser light by six orders of magnitude. The chamber houses important system components including an X-Y sample stage, optical probe holder and lenses.